leverescapement

A lever escapement is a type of mechanical watch escapement used to regulate the release of energy from a driving source, such as a mainspring, to the gear train. It is one of the most prevalent escapements in modern mechanical watches due to its reliability and efficiency.

The lever escapement consists of a pallet fork, an escape wheel, and an impulse pin or jewel. The pallet fork interacts with the impulse pin of the escape wheel, locking and unlocking the wheel's teeth in a controlled manner. As the wheel turns, it alternately locks and releases the pallet fork, which is connected to the balance wheel. The balance wheel oscillates back and forth, and its motion drives the pallet fork through a pallet jewel, transferring impulse to maintain the oscillations.

This escapement design provides a consistent and relatively gentle impulse to the balance wheel, resulting in accurate timekeeping. It also manages to minimize friction and wear, ensuring longevity and stability. The lever escapement was invented in the 18th century and became widely adopted in the 19th century, effectively replacing earlier escapements such as the verge.

Due to its effectiveness and ease of manufacturing, the lever escapement remains the standard in most modern mechanical wristwatches and clocks. Its design has evolved over time, leading to variations like the Swiss lever escapement and the detached escapement, which further enhance accuracy and durability. Overall, the lever escapement is a fundamental component in horology, enabling the precise measurement of time in mechanical timepieces.